Thailand - Thai Boxing
(Muay Thai)
 Thai
Boxing or Muay Thai is the one of Thai traditional martial
art, which is renowned around the World. It is unique among
other kinds of fighting disciplines in its approach to close
quarters fighting. Fighters are able to more effectively
use their elbows, knees, feet and fists than in other martial
arts.
The Wai Kru, means pay respect to the teacher also known
as Ram Muay (boxing dance). This is an important part of
any evening watching Thai Boxing. These are ceremonies that
are performed before each Muay Thai bout. Sometimes the
Wai Kru are brief and basic, but other times they may be
eloquent performances that draw praise and applause from
the crowd. It is said that those who see well can determine
who will win the fight by watching two fighters perform
their Wai Kru. Teachers are highly respected in Thai society,
and many artistic disciplines, not just Muay Thai, perform
Wai Kru. For instance, Krabi-Krabong (Thai swords) is also
perform Wai Kru.
Thai Boxing History
Thai Boxing (Muay thai) is the devastating "science
of 8 limbs" from Thailand developed over 1000's of
years.
The exact date of the creation of this fighting art is not
known but it is widely believed to be over 2000 years old.
Many other martial arts are believed to be this ancient
though many of them were only created in the last 100 years
(Aikido, Taekwondo, Karate).
Muaythai used to be referred to as Pahuyuth (multi-faceted
fighting style) a couple of hundred years ago, but muaythai
itself is only a part of the whole Thai fighting system
that covers weapons and groundwork which many refer to as
Ling-Lom, though this is not the correct name for it. Many
people do not know about this "no holds barred"
of muaythai and there are very few people that can teach
it.
The Thais are a tribal people and have had to defend their
country from many invaders throughout their history. It
has been developed year by year passing from teacher to
student for as long as the Thais can remember. Muaythai
is often referred to as the science of eight limbs as it
employs not only punching and kicking techniques but elbows
and knees as well.
It could be said that Muaythai currently is split into two
parts, the ring sport and the martial art. The art side
contains many techniques that cannot be performed in a ring
with gloves on.
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